SAQA

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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION:

Occupational Certificate: Meteorological Technician

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
121790	Occupational Certificate: Meteorological Technician
ORIGINATOR
Development Quality Partner-TETA
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-			OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
Occupational Certificate	Field 10 - Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences		Physical Sciences
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	139	Not Applicable	NQF Level 05	Regular-ELOAC
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered		EXCO 1121/24	2024-01-30	2029-01-30
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2030-01-30		2033-01-30

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.

This qualification replaces:

Qual ID	Qualification Title	Pre-2009 NQF Level	NQF Level	Min Credits	Replacement Status
58995	National Certificate: Weather Observation	Level 5	Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5	130	Complete

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION

Purpose:
The purpose of this qualification is to provide qualifying learners with the knowledge, understanding, competence and experience required to operate as a Meteorological Technician. A Meteorological Technician installs and inspects weather stations, conducts climate data checking, conducts surface and upper air observations, and disseminates data into specific coded forms.

A qualified learner will be able to:

Install, maintain and verify meteorological instrumentation and electronic sensors.

Gather, record, code and decode surface meteorological variables and phenomena and synoptic land and ship messages.

Initialise upper air instrumentation, gather and interpret upper air meteorological variables.

Rationale:
The need for this qualification stems from the necessity to revise and update an existing unit standards-based qualification. The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) has prescribed rules and regulations that guide the timeous dissemination of accurate weather observations, which is an international obligation for every country with a national weather service.

Knowledge of weather conditions is fundamental to the planning and operational activities of various industry sectors including agriculture, aviation, construction, marine and tourism. In addition, these weather observations are used by local communities to plan their daily activities. Data obtained from weather observations also forms the basis of weather forecasts and related sciences. All observations are stored in databases which are used for longer term planning and research of global weather changes. To ensure the quality of the weather observations, all instrumentation need to be erected and maintained according to the same international regulations. In addition, the resultant climate data also needs to undergo stringent quality control processes prescribed by the WMO to ensure its long-term value.

This qualification, by addressing the need for accurate and reliable weather data, in accordance with international standards is essential for the operation and growth of the agriculture, aviation, construction, marine and tourism sectors and therefore important for the economic growth of the country. This qualification will also benefit society as information on weather is of the utmost importance for the health and safety of humans and animals and plays an important role in environmental disaster management.

This qualification will benefit learners, as it has been designed to serve as entry into a career where there is a scarcity of qualified people at various levels with job opportunities in the Meteorological Sector internationally. The qualification will also be recognised internationally as it is aligned to the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) minimum requirements for training as per the WMO publication 1083 for Meteorologists and Meteorological Technicians.

Typical learners likely to be attracted to this qualification include school leavers with an interest in science and technology enjoying working outdoors.

This qualification will contribute to the full development of the learner within the Weather Services industry by providing recognition, further mobility, and transportability within the sector. Related to this qualification is a part-qualification, Occupational Certificate: Aviation Meteorological Observer. Learners wishing to become a Meteorological Technician can either enrol for this qualification (Occupational Certificate: Meteorological Technician, Level 5) or can first enrol for the part-qualification (Occupational Certificate: Aviation Meteorological Observer, Level 5) to qualify as an Aviation Meteorological Observer. Should such a learner wish to, at a later stage, enrol for the Occupational Certificate: Meteorological Technician he/she will be granted recognition for modules already completed (CAT).

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification is made up of compulsory Knowledge, Practical Skill, and Work Experience Modules:

Knowledge Modules

311102-001-00-KM-01, Basic Meteorological Concepts, Level 5, 7 Credits.

311102-001-00-KM-02, Basic Meteorological Circulation, Level 5, 10 Credits.

311102-001-00-KM-03, Cloud Formation and Associated Precipitation Types, Level 5, 15 Credits.

311102-001-00-KM-04, Climate Theory, NQF Level 5, 10 Credits.

311102-001-00-KM-05, Meteorological Variables, Level 5, 10 Credits.

Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 52

Practical Skill Modules

311102-001-00-PM-01, Identify and Install Meteorological Instrumentation According to World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) Specifications, Level 5, 6 Credits.

311102-001-00-PM-02, Maintain Meteorological Instrumentation and Electronic Components, Level 5, 6 Credits.

311102-001-00-PM-03, Verify Functionality and Accuracy of Meteorological Instrumentation and Electronic Components, Level 5, 7 Credits.

311102-001-00-PM-04, Initialise and Use Upper Air Instrumentation, Level 5, 2 Credits.

311102-001-00-PM-05, Set up Upper Air Instrumentation and Monitor Data, Level 5, 3 Credits.

311102-001-00-PM-06, Decode and Interpret Upper Air Data, Level 5, 4 Credits.

311102-001-00-PM-07, Record Surface Meteorological Variables according to International Requirements, Level 5, 9 Credits.

311102-001-00-PM-08, Code and Decode Synoptic Land and Ship Messages according to World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Formats, Level 5, 7 Credits.

311102-001-00-PM-09, Code and Decode Aviation-based Weather according to International Requirements, Level 5, 7 Credits.

Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 51

Work Experience Modules

311102-001-00-WM-01, Processes and Procedures for Meteorological Instrumentation and Electronic Components, NQF Level 5, 12 Credits.

311102-001-00-WM-02, Processes and Procedures for Gathering, Recording, Coding and Decoding World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) and Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Coded Surface Meteorological Messages, NQF Level 5, 12 Credits.

311102-001-00-WM-03, Processes and Procedures for Gathering, Recording and Decoding World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) Coded Upper Air Meteorological Messages, NQF Level 5, 12 Credits.

Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 36

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Install, maintain and verify meteorological instrumentation and electronic sensors using standard methods, procedures, and techniques in accordance with all regulatory requirements.
2. Gather, record, code and decode surface meteorological variables and phenomena applying standard statistical methods and procedures.
3. Gather and interpret upper air meteorological variables and assist in surface observations applying standard statistical methods and procedures.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
ELO 1: Install, maintain, and verify meteorological instrumentation and electronic sensors using standard methods, procedures, and techniques in accordance with all regulatory requirements.

Create weather station files according to the South African Weather Service (SAWS) regulations for full inspections of automatic weather stations (AWS).

Carry out inspection procedures on meteorological instrumentation and electronic sensors (automated and non-automated) and complete post-inspection reports according to the South African Weather Service (SAWS) regulations.

Correctly identify errors in meteorological variables using 5-minute AWS data.

Carry out the inspections of climate and rainfall stations according to the South African Weather Service (SAWS) manual on climate inspections.

Identify areas for the establishment of a weather camp that meet the World Meteorological Organisation's (WMO) criteria.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
ELO 2: Gather, record, code and decode surface meteorological variables and phenomena applying standard statistical methods and procedures.

Read and manually code meteorological variables into the synoptic land code format within the standard time of 5 minutes and identify and rectify faulty readings of instrumented and non-instrumented meteorological variables.

Observe and record non-instrumental meteorological variables and complete World Meteorological Organisation and/or International Civil Aviation Organisation meteorological messages according to international standards.

Decode all synoptic messages according to South African regional regulations and identify faulty synoptic messages to rectify or discard data.

Code meteorological aviation variables into a routine meteorological aviation report (METAR) within the standard time of 5 minutes and determine whether they fall within the selected special aviation report (SPECI) criteria.

Decode METAR and SPECI reports in accordance with International Civil Aviation Organisation regulations (ICAO) and identify faulty reports to rectify data.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
ELO 3: Gather and interpret upper air meteorological variables and assist in surface observations applying standard statistical methods and procedures.

Identify temperature and humidity spikes on an areological diagram to rectify or discard data.

Interpret coded upper air messages to determine specific parameters.

Interpret an areological diagram is interpreted to explain the vertical characteristics of the atmosphere.

Integrated Assessment:
Integrated Formative Assessment
The Skills Development Providers will use the curriculum to guide them on the stipulated internal assessment criteria and weighting. They will also apply the scope of practical skills and applied knowledge as stipulated by the internal assessment criteria. This formative assessment leads to entrance into the integrated External Summative Assessment.

Integrated Summative Assessment
An External Integrated Summative Assessment, conducted through the relevant QCTO Assessment Quality Partner is required to issue this qualification. The External Integrated Summative Assessment will focus on the Exit Level Outcomes and Associated Assessment Criteria. Additional to the written assessment the learner must also submit a portfolio of evidence compiled of outcomes achieved in the workplace.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

The World Meteorological Organisation has prescribed the minimum requirements for training in WMO publication 1083 for Meteorologists and Meteorological Technicians. The Basic Instruction Package for Meteorological Technicians (BIP-MT) requirements is also outlined in this publication. Many countries today focus only on training of Meteorologists and many countries that also offer training related to the Meteorological Technicians (BIP-MT) requirements do so in languages other than English.

Leaders in the field of training and development for Meteorological Technicians are the countries associated with the WMO and that aligned their training to the requirements of the WMO.

The countries selected for the comparability is Kenya and the Caribbean Islands.

Kenya
The Institute for Meteorological Training and Research (a branch of the Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD) under the Ministry of Environment and Mineral Resources (MEMR) in Nairobi offers an Advanced Meteorological Technician Course (AMTC)-WMO Class II. The duration of this qualification is 1 year and does not include a practical or work experience component. It is considered a Certificate Level qualification in Kenya.
This qualification covers the Basic Instruction Package for Meteorological Technicians (BIP-MT) requirements, i.e.:

Basic physical and dynamic meteorology.

Basic synoptic and mesoscale meteorology.

Basic climatology.

Meteorological instruments and methods of observation.

Similarities
The South African qualification includes all the areas covered by this certificate.

Differences:
The duration of the Kenyan qualification is 1 year and does not include a practical or work experience component. The entry requirements for this qualification are not stated.

Conclusion
The Occupational Certificate: Meteorological Technician covers all the content also covered by the Kenyan Advanced Meteorological Technician Course (AMTC)-WMO Class II. The Occupational Certificate: Meteorological Technician compares well with the qualifications offered in Kenya in terms of duration.

Caribbean Islands
The Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology in Barbados offers a Mid-level meteorological technicians' course no. 47/21. The duration of this qualification is 9 months, does not include a work experience component and is aimed at senior Entry-Level Technicians specialising either in applications of meteorology; or instrument maintenance, repair, and calibration.

This qualification covers.

Knowledge of the rules and regulations governing the observation, recording and use of meteorological and other data.

Quality control data and complete simple statistical and other analysis of the data.

Preparation of summaries and reports of the analysed data.

Assisting with field and other experiments in the areas of specialisation.

Inspection and setting -up of weather observation sites.

Maintaining, repairing, and calibrating relevant meteorological instruments.

Assisting with the briefing of pilots.

Similarity:
The Occupational Certificate: Meteorological Technician covers all aspects covered by this qualification except for the briefing of pilots or calibration of instruments.

Difference:
The duration of this qualification is 9 months as opposed to the duration of the Occupational Certificate: Meteorological Technician, which is 3 years. This qualification does not include a work experience component. It is aimed at senior Entry-Level Technicians specialising either in applications of meteorology; or instrument maintenance, repair, and calibration while the South African qualification aims at attracting school leavers with an interest in science and technology enjoying working outdoors.

Conclusion
The Occupational Certificate: Meteorological Technician covers some specialisation options in addition to the basic Meteorological Technicians (BIP-MT) requirements (specified by the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) but outlined as specialisation options. The Occupational Certificate: Meteorological Technician therefore compares well with the Mid-level meteorological technicians' qualification no. 47/21 in terms of the total content.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification provides opportunities for horizontal and vertical articulation options.
Horizontal Articulation:

Occupational Certificate: Data Science Practitioner, NQF Level 5.

Higher Certificate in Physical Sciences, NQF Level 5.

Vertical Articulation:

There are currently no registered articulation possibilities within the sub-framework.

Diagonal Articulation

Diploma in Environmental Sciences, NQF Level 6.

NOTES

Qualifying for External Assessment:
To qualify for an external assessment, learners must provide proof of completion of all required knowledge and practical modules by means of statements of results and a record of completed work experience.

Additional Legal or Physical Entry Requirements:

None

Criteria for the accreditation of providers

Accreditation of providers will be done against the criteria as reflected in the relevant curriculum on the QCTO website.
The curriculum title and code are Meteorological Technician: 311102-001-00-00:

Encompassed Trade:
This qualification encompasses the following trades as recorded on the NLRD:

None.

Assessment Quality Partner (AQP)

Transport Education Training Authority (TETA).

RELATED PART-QUALIFICATIONS (Where Applicable)

Occupational Certificate: Aviation Meteorological Observer, Level 5.

LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION:

When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced qualification.

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PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION:

This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.

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